1947-07-11 — Page 2

THE CHINA MAIL FRIDAY, JULY 11, 1947,

GOVERNMENT REPLY TO HOUSING POLICY CRITICISMS

(Contineral from Page 1)

"rofflorn; that Government will pursue its policy of rapid und extensive building for Rs own use in order to equip itself

with

it accommodation for officers and this release attor prenses for the general public,

Ignore na One but cannot ean ignore the serious baudi- eaper imposed by shortage of materials and shortage of staff, for which there is no sulation.

Very

year

quick

ject of the recalled renewal of "This brings me to the sub- Crown Leases which has derupted a disproportionate place in this debate and, which inast, i submit, to put to its proper perspective. The present

future interests

and

of the

·

Innovations

"It was to meet that situm- tion that within a month of the Instituthm of Civil Government, Government in June, 1946,

made when there is a surrender

"In order to enzenurage lease bollers to undertake the rehabi litation or new construction which is desirable to meet the housing requirements of

trust

The

the price realised at lighting. will now endeavour to reply to nuction were $2.53 and $3.89

in its effect on the present hour-Į water supplies, harbour works, some of the points referred to respectively. By private trente till undeveloped portion was! plied to Dovernment for permis-

Home of

debate, or secondly, have misin terpreted the actions and pa- ey of Government, or in the third place they have not been made aware of the full facts of those specifle cases which have been quoted in support of their argumenta.

cient to meet all requirements, in admitted, but I submit that when world conditions and local resources during the period are taken into account the Colony has nothing for which it need apologise.

חנו

"Immediately after the

10 alienate Land

of

In

"As

"I submit that

say more about the accusation of Government procrastination In

submitted.'

from, the

more

be

about

given on

houses

Ry

conditions

present

Blone

4

pro

rc-

ven to the purchaser of the cerning the contractor who "In spite of what has been covenant in the expiring, lease, seventy-five-year Crown Leaned essential services as road and line to Honourable Members. IS1 and sald to the contrary by Uno should be maintained in good is a comparatively minor factor streets with their

"But I need not go on. I shall, on to creet wooden framed clal Members in this debate. repair. thene diflicultles are real, very The above represents the pre-ing erlain. In Ita policy regard-drainage works, and the pro-by Honourable Members in their the sponsors of the scheme, have however, ngnin refer to this lator houses, and was told they would

Since the waring these lenues Government revision of schools and hospital specchen to this Counell real. It is easy to say, for in-war position.

on obtained the land at one third when T come to deal with Build have to be spaced 150 feet apart. matter of these lenses gards Raelf as the trustee for accommodation. Added to these July 3rd, and in so doing I proto one quarter of the price of ing Covenants. To conclude the "I am not prepared to let the stance, that 'well over 1,000 tons the of reinforcing steel can be in- as Rumed a new importance the tax-paying community. It was the legacy of collapsed and pose to separate the two broad the open market value. Surely history of the Jardine's Lookout mere provisions of the

Issues, and

repented deal firstly with the Honourable Mr. Gillesple site,

pressure was Ordinance stand in the way of widesprendraust bear in mind the present collapsing Japanese tunnels. mediately abtained locally and.by reason of the there is more on the way. That destruction of property, parti- und future needs of the com- The task was a formidable one. housing, building schemes, and would rancede this is not un brought to bear on the architects building houses in the present Colony the materials which go in their generous, and that too much | of the important arm to which the emergency. If there are reason. may be so, but nothing la suid cularly residential property inmunity, which are far different] As to hauslug, the.

was not asked of his particular Honourable Member has referred ble departures possible I would of the quality of that steel or the Hill District. The rehabili- from those of nearly 75 years had been denuded of suppiles of construction, and becondly with

description every

Including matters affeeling the Jandl on scheme?

alnce other applications were in advise Government to sanction of its price. I most.. however. tation and new erection of re- ago.

"In the circumstances, I sub- those required for repairing which those buildings are erect. Jardine's Lookout hand for the same area, and lay them. il this Council that a telegram | sidential property has become a

"Before leaving the question of new ed. was received only a few days matter of great urgency and it in all sincerity that Gov-| bulldings and erecting

·regards the Jarding's out schemes hind already been Both the Honourablo Mr. Lookout site no referred to received from these other appli- bungalows of light construction, ago from the Secretary of State property-holders who hohl un-ernment's policy in regard to bulidings. Missiona were sent to

countries in an these eases is neither unfair various

en Lundaic and the Hondurable for the Colonies to the effent der tenses which have only

ple. There have been Mayoral 1947, more

than twelve months Many millions of pounds have" conse, deavour to obtain urgently need- Mr. Gillespie have referred by the Hon. Mr. R.D. Gilles-cants. Writing on April 12th. I would sound a note of warning. that the iron and steel positiun-few years to run hove naturally nor repressive and that in the United Kingdom, already been anxious to know the terms quently the amendment to the ed supplies. But for the most building schemes, and the delay procedia for the development after their original application, been spent in the United King. the architects pleaded for time. dom and the Dominions In order Lane third paragraph of the Honour part those countries had not which has been encountered in of this area. Two in fact are bad enough, has worsened con- on which new. Crown

best type of motion, Ruficient supplies for their own obtaining terms

proposed to determine the Laudule's

under which now under consideration. One They stated that the siderably and that it is desirable wit be granted before they un-able Mr.

to meet building scheme, was a big one, house now needs and a little was obtained Government would be preparert of them has. 1 fear, had little and their clients felt it was un problem, for they,

their housing to reduce Colonial requirements dertake the very heavy expendi- which amendment I am

tou, have moving, should be endorsed by but not enough.

for such thought given to it, and has

Some of items und steel to the absolute | fire which rehabilitation or new

types construction will entoti,

this Council."

"But the work of rehabilita- | sebemes. I should like to re- taken no account of the natural reasonable for them to be rushed housing problem. mindam,

tion could rat be allowed to mind Honourable Members that Tentures of the area. In answer by the Public Works Department. evolved are good and some not so MR. V. KENNIFF stop. I would suggest that the for the protection of absent to the Honourable Mr. Gilles Rushed' was the word they used good.

"What may be sultuble in period of Military Administra-citizens the polley was adopted ple's question as to whether this in their letter

Canada or the USA or even in Government Policy

tion he not forgotten, but that that there would be no sales of oren is available, the answer is

Only One Policy

a Cunberra or the District · of it be deducted from the period land for a period of 12 months that the land is available, like

"Honourable Members, need Columbia-may not be suitable Misinterpretated Seconding the moving of the of 22 months (and nat 2 years), from the date of reoccupation of any other Crown Land, for any

In Hong Kong. After all, DUF climatle issued notification designet to amendment, the Director of which has elapsed since the re- the Colony, which gave the Civil wel devised scheme.

four months the publle with its Puble Works, the Hon. Mr. V. occupation, and that any criti-! Government

"As the Honourable Mr. Gil- this cose? The applicants com. somewhat different from many acquaint

The majority of the Kenali, said:—

cisn be confined to the period which to assemble staff and re-lespie says, this is a large plain of being rushed by other places, and we do occasion. palley.

"I am very glad to have the of the past 14 months, which cords to deal with applications area and its development will Government Department to pro-ally have typhoons, and we do terms embodied in the notiflea- tion are what is called "common | opportunity afforded by this after all marks the period dur received in the Interim. Al- result in fact in a complete re-duce their scheme over a year have white ants and other pests. form" to the terms of grants debate to set out certain of the ing which the bulk of the com- though it is true to say that sidential Colony. The particular after they had made their appli Level Areas Lack

quote the application was made in the case application to which the Hon-cation. I reasons why the motion moved munity now resident in

"I have ston many timber- of the outstanding portion of by the Honourable Mr. Landale Colony returned to take up once of one scheme in May, 1946, the curb'e Member has referred to Honourable Member's speech as Crown Leases "I saw come to paragraph the term of an existing lese should not, in its original form, again the threads which had applicants were informed of the as being lodged on May 13th, reported in the Press in regard to framed buildings with fire

sisting walls in other countries," threof the origin motion and and the grant of a new lease, he passed. I trust that after I been broken by the occupation position, and Government was 1946, could not under the policy this building scheme:

reviewed

the of the Colony by the enemy. unable to offer terms before the to which I have referred, be "The. Colony has therefore Those I have seen would, in my opinion, be entirely unsulted to to the new paragraph which I but certain Innovations were in. have

on ground traversed by those

Poor Response expiry of one year from the date granted before September, 1946, been deprived of 300 or am proposing should be suhati- troduced to cover points

there had been agree Honourable Members, who

"Much has been, accomplish of the reoccupation.

but the applicant admitted as houses which might today be fully Hong Kong conditions. It would not assist the housing problem tuted therefor. I emphasize which

Lack Of Planning

late as February, 1947, that occupied.'

much it scores that Government recognizes its ment before December, 1941, or spoke in support of the original ed in that 14-month period and

of such houses And again I quote: area- duty to encourage, and will en- which rose particularly out of motion, it will become apparent it has even been said in many

"During that period Govern- layout of the proposed

were built, and were then proved 'Speedy decisions should Koy's re- ment sought and obtained per- which I would ask you to re-mude when building schemes are have been places that Hong

for one reason or another to building the destruction due to military thai, other they private COMAST.

misinformed on certain aspecte covery has been more marked maxion

be unsuitable. It is Government's the Secretary of member was to be a complete the operations or to looting. schemia provided that

"If normat conditions had er this very impatant matter than in any other area of the State to dispense for a period of residential Colony-ould not be again the question of the avail ? prevailed, effect might have been which is the subject of this Far East. That it is not Hutli- one year with auction sales in furnished because a survey of at the 300 houses but surely not schemes are practicable--here;

"The Colony may be deprived duty to guard against this but it.

is prepared to consider any sale alternatives, ability of building materials is given to the pre-war pris

the case of approved building the site had not been completed, by Government procrastination,

"The Honourable Mr. Gillespie relevant and provided that the premium should be re-

schemes. One of the main rea-nt the various clients had to The outline scheme was not ready in proportion to the

song advocated for this depar- be consulted to ascertain whether in April, 1947, and not one of the has been advised that bungalows thus, if financial assistoire from duve

sight the goud condition of the premises

ture from previous practico was they would be prepared to 80 300 houses, malsonettes, shops, of light construction could be Gas crument is

on the expiry of the term. Un

that the preparation of a scheme to the expense of this survey.

erected in considerable numbers schools and the like, chemes are finately spund

fortunately in very many cases

for building many houses in. Glaring Examples Government's pure IN

which we heard in the Honour at a moderate price. It is Inter volved-considerable expense

learn that excessive esting to public's purse and must be safe the premises have been almost

"Up to this stage I fear this able Member's speech, had then) completely destroyed and with

re survey and planning by -ara) was another ease of an applica- been designed.

costs will not apply to such type How could 2 guardet.

"If I am successful in indica-sumption of Clyl! Government chitects, and it would be unfair tion to Government on the basis speedy decision other than out. of houses, and I trust that and materials the cost of rehab ting where Henourable Members the main concern of Government if after incurring such expendt of 'Let us have 180 acres or an right refusal be the present high cost of labour

rents to be they are built the atation or of new construction have not been correct in their was first to house its own ser- ture of

charged will be correspondingly time and money the of valuable building nud ut scheme such an this? Very stringent criticisms of vants.

At the same time other genuine promoter of such a cheap terms and we will see will exceed the original cost

"I will now pass from Housing low. The cost of erection of a the building and may generally Government polley and its im steps were taken to encourage scheme was outbld at auction by what we can do with it. The Schemes. If the examples chosen large number of similar type

1 hope that the rehubilitation of private some speculator. excred the amount of any replementation,

This was a tenure of lease for this land, in are the worst charges that cant houses is largely dependent on Members will see bulldings. Honotrible

the ability of the builder to carry may say the res very sound precaution.

accordance with current prac- be made against Government new premium.

of their way clear to vote for the ponse was poor. In reply to a regret, however,

cont out the repetitive processes to say tice, would be for 75 years with hope. I have been able to

construction within the samo Colony, and by that I mean the

amendment to the motion which question asked by the Honour- that most of the schemes so option for renewal for a further plete the pleture sufficiently well

and with the minimum area, has been moved by the Honourable Mr. M. K. Lu in this Coun- for

to prove the charger unfounded, put forward have been term of 75 years. Colony as a whole, the general

movement of hln plant and labour cil on 21st November, 1946, the characterised by lack al not a section

able the Colonial Secretary.

But let me say community.

Government and urealled for. of any

forces. This presupposes large "When the original motion Honourable Colonial Secretary serlous planning The ma would be falling in its duty to the--no effort will be spared to of it, ist be constantly in

of comparatively level Government's mind, Gove. Colony, Government Indiented was tabled, I looked forward stated:

jority have been improethable the citizens of this Colony if it faster and encourage any serious ground for the implementation of mem regneels as particularly un- } that applications would be en- with great interest to hear from **Government invited property in application, nad speculative in a fenated for the next 150 years scheme which has been properly: such scheites, Level areas are. zeceptable the views which have ertained for the remission of the addresses of

Honourable owners, by a nollee in the Press character, and in several easca large tract of valuable build- formulated, and which appears to what we have least of in Hong Members clear and to the effect the premium to the extent of Unofficial

June 25th, to noufy the the Public bren expressed

Works Department ing land without having rea- huld out any chance of success in

Kong, the Director of Building Rehabilia has had to

for the com- that its resent policy in regard one-bed of the cost of rehabili-practical suggestions for

Aurvey the areas, Ronable detalls as to what was providing houses

"Several Honourable Members This quick solution of the Colony's tion of their plans and difficul- and point out to the promoters going to be done with it, There munity. There can be only one have stated that it is not the to Tatene beast is unfair and at the buildings,

In effet that in the No. 1 problem, namely, hous- ties. Only five applications were the vepressive' and is serious ita-

Impossibility of their are many glaring examples of policy--to produce

shortage of building materials a complete remission of pre- the Government, and the public ton, four for financial assistance "In the case of the scheme at tion in the past whereby large turity of cases there would ing. This Honourable Council, made in response to this invita achemen.

the results of this course of c-mptly as possible. jestiment

which is delaying the building of Prefabs

houses in Hong Kong. The in stated, during the malum. A further concession was would owe a deep debt of grati- and one in connection with pro, Repulse Bay to which the arees of undeveloped leased "Reference has been made by Henourable Mr. Waison has been

of new tude to whoever found this debate that the made that in Krants

the perty demolished by the Japan-Honourable Mr. R.D. Gespic sites, bought for next to the Honourable Mr. Gillespie to told that well over 1,000 tons of subject of the go-culteit renewal,

cuses approved on applications; quick and practical solution to ese in the extension of Kal Tak has referred this procedure had othing, are locked up, and the possibility of erecting houses reinforcing steel can be homedi- of 75-year Crown Leases is une made within one year of the this world wide problem. I re- airfield. In one case a loan has to be followed, I have good rea-have Increased in value many of light construction, and the neediately obtained locally, and that a Text importance to the com- date of the announcement, the gret to say I left this Council been arranged with the Banks. son to believe that the promoters times over. I shall quote some for relaxation of the provisions review the situation in record munity generally. I venture Crown rent would be re-assess-] Chamber on Thursday lust no No applications have

of the Buildings Ordinance in to basic materials required for the been re of this scheme underestimated "xamples:—- averem-ed in accordance with the scale wit wiser than when

ceived In consequence of Govern- the cost of the buildings they

**There are two water front order to permit of the erection of construction of dwellings shows suggest that this is phasis. Of all the many thou- applicable to the lea'lty in the it.

ment's offer, to consider the re- Intended to erect and availed

lots at North Point having such buildings, The Honourable thal at the present time no im- -construction- sands of lata in this Colony period immediately before Solution Missing

demolished themselves of the opportunity

-ñ-total-aren of-744,616-2. Dr. S.N. Chau stated in supportmediate-shortage_of_the$3——Is- the outbreak of the war in there are oly 1344 in respect

"I heard speeches · from all properticy, on behalf of the of withdrawing their applica-

feet. Forty Clonese tencrunt of this proposal, that the building being experienced, the amount of my Honourable Friends the owners.. of which -year leases

1941 and that have

tion, when terms of sale by pri

houses were built on 1 por- rules of the Colony are antiquated P.W.D. Difficulty Members. 1 heard been issued. Of these 183 in the premium would be based on Unaffleial

vnte treaty were offered them, Limited Staff

tion-of one lot, and the Build- and completely out of harmony Innd values in the locality dur- much destructive and even bit-

ing Covenant was completed with present needs and circum- are covered by the word 'basle, "The response indicated that on the plea that certain of their

The remainder ter criticism concerning the whatever was holding up build- clients had mode other arrange-

of the

stances. птем

but I do know that the Public ing that perial.

"I am not going to try and pre- Works Department has totalling about 600,000 square on the Mainland. Since Govern-

shortcomings of Government, ing operations it was not dnance, nents, and the remainder con- ment's announcement al policy

fect stands undeveloped. The tend that the Buildings Ordinance enced, and is still experiencing, "Government's whole interest but that quick practical solution The numbers of applications sidered the terms offered by regarding these leases was made is the adequate development of I hoped to hear was unfortun-since received could be counted Government would make the

cost to the lease of the unde-in its present form which became difficulty in obtaining supplies of in June, 1946, only some 80-ap- the lensed area in accordance ately missing.

cost of building too high. I

veloped land was about $450,- nw in 1935 is a piece of ultra-essential building materials all of 000, "Before 1 proceed or refer In on the fingers of one hand.

To-day it in plications for renewal have been with the needs of the communi-

worth modern legislation. I appreciate which are necessary before "As to its own housing prob- derived the strong impression

the need for its revision to per- house can be built and lived in. recvived in spite of the specially ty, and this has been made a deal to some of the points em the Government à teclinical that they were glad of the ex-

$1,000.000,

at the use of the most modern If, as appears generobs terms offered by Gov-1 condition

to be the] which huve been raised in the

Indicated. precedent to

Stubbs Road

method sand materials of con- there are Not Unreasonable

"The second case is an instruction. I would, however, de- materials in the Colony I am sur

large stocks of such ernment in respect of appien- grant of any new Crown lease. debate on this motion, confus-aff was, and still is, Ilmilled cuse to back out. tions made within one year of This entalla the imposition of ing as they all are, I should like in numbers, but the restoration

and repair

Government "As the Deputy Director of

land lot on 'Stubbs Read precate amending the Ordinance prided that the keen merchants of the date of announcement. a building covenant appropriate to outline as briefly as I can dwellings which were repairable Public Works has now left the where the Building Covenant to allow the erection 09 a It hardly seems, therefore, that to the nature and locality of the the problem as I saw it on my was pressed on, as well as the Colony I am unable to check expired in 1984 and two ex-manent

per- this town have not come forward measure of any tem- and offered them tehrsions of time were granted porary structures.

for sale The measures to ensure arrival in this Colony a little

large quantities. The Controller without great importance to the com- adequate development of leased over a year ago, and the line of repair of schools, hospitals, and, the statement that during the

the like. During the 14-month preliminary negotiations

'penalty. Certain "This is not to tay, that in munity generally or indeed to arens are considered particular approach which has been made period, 648 quarters have been stated he would be prepared to

buildings were erected during order to meet the present situa Works Department, is in the of Stores, on behalf, of the Public the vast majority the lease-ly necessary in respect of some by Government to deal with it repaired which now house 4,750 recommend a price of 35 cents

the extended period on two tion Government would not give market as a buyer. I note, how- of the lots which wore the upto the present time.

sections of the lot, and later careful consideration to any pro- ever, that the Honourable Mr. "The problem was to render Government servants and their per square foot for the sale of Not Simple

subject of the earliest lenses, us

assigned. The Bullding Cove-posal to erect such type of houses Landate admits we have nothing" considerable "I would also correct the im- not infrequently large areas. habitable as quickly as possible families, This represents the land but I have his final offort but unfor written recommendation "for" a

nant han döt yet been com- on land which would be leased! like all the material we pleted on the balance of the for short periods. So far 113 tunately

Government price of 871⁄2 cents per square pression that the question is were granted with wholly In- all those buildings which it was

I many

want. I agree with him. for their possible to repair, and, na soon

lat and an unbuilt area of have been able to trace, no appli- simply one of whether holders to adoquate safeguards

"I And a certain inconsistency the same period, 127 to which the Honourabe -Mom- about 200,000 square feet of cation During 75-year Crown Leases which are, development. Two auch large as the necessary staff was avail officers are sull without houses. fool. The particular syndicate

been received by in the remarks of the Honourable formed but undeveloped land Government for the erection of Mr. Watson for expiring should or should not be lots were referred to by the able, to undertake the design buildings were restored in order ber rofere dropped the scheme,

after having Mr. Honourable

Lo in his and construction of new 'build-

remains. Its valus at date of such types of buildings. new lease. It is not

to enable the functions of Gov. but I am able to inform Honour-

There somewhat airly disposed of the which ings to replace those speech.

able Members that an applica-

kalo" was $20,000 and it is have, however, been a few In- so simple as all that. The holder

myth that there is any shortage "The Honourable Mr. Lo, in were unrepairable. This was the ernment to be resumed.

now 'worth $600,000. has no legal right whatsoever:to

"As staff returned, the design tion was immediately lodged by.

quiries from would-be importers of building materials he went on which I recommended

"Next, and area of 171,190 of one or other of the many types to say that a correspondent of a new lease. Thus Government contending that the original policy is entitled on the expiry of an when the expiring lease

building

approved by of new residences to replace mother undertaking, which has covenant, imposed and which was

those which could not be re-readily agreed to the

square feet in Kowloon, hav. of much-advertised prefabricated his summarised the position in was Government,

ing a valuable sea frontage. houses, as to whether such build- these words-I quote again from exisling, lease to grant a new originally granted, should be

"Much emphasis has been laid paired was also put in hand, terms and will proceed in the near future with the erection of

atll remains undeveloped and Ings would be permitted under the Press report of the Honour- lense, for the whole or part of imposeil uncharged in the on the fact that so little has; and if building materiala.

la' used for open storage pur- the laws of this Colony, the lot, on such terms and con-

able Member's speech:- poses Its original value was Note Of Warning ditions as it thinks fit, alther new lease, pparently takes no ren done in almost two years sufficient quantity can be obtain about 17 residences on the area

account of changes in the after the

reoccupation of the ed Government quarters will be which has now been allocated

$17,101 and it is now.worth "The answer has had to be that to the previous leaseholder or to economic circumstances of the Colony. In those countries which erected according to pinn. When to them by private treaty,

"That the price of 80-conta the end of that phase of work|

$856,050

they do not comply with the some other person. But it was Colony and in the relative im were never occupied by encimy is tn view then we will go on to er square foot for land in this

"The last caso I shall quote Buildings Ordinance. These in- agreed in 1940 that favourable portance of particular sites in forces, building work, except

is 'alad'in Kowloon; The area quiries related to the selling and frontment of a tenant who had the Colony, nor of the fact that for war purposes, was halteu plan and execute other essen-area, is not unreasonable Is

is 03560 square feet and one not the building of such houses, aisc confirmed by recent auction faithfully discharged his con

"I wish to assure Honourables for land not far distant frontage only has been de.I should however be grateful if tractual duty would be justified: many of the original covenants during the war period; they tial building work.

The position before the out were 'fixed at an absurdly, low now have arrears of 'building Members: that the

Honourable Mr. Gillesple from this site in which the up. veloped by the erection of ten the Architec- ́and maintenance" to overtaku; Algure.. break of the war in 1941 was The housing needa

email houses. The original could give me more details ¡con...!! of the those countries which were at tural Staff of the Public Works set premia were 80 cents and that it was understood that community have increased, while tacked and occupied by enemy Department, depleted in num fresh lenses would be granted the number of available build forces have a heavier and bigger bors as it is, has not been a

POP on payment of a. Crown: "Rent

confronting thom, moment idle since their return ro-assessed in the light of the ing sites has not. So what has problem

renamely that due to the cessation from recuperative leave They thrown changed conditions. Govern-been called Government's ment had not announced, as the pressive and unfair polley in re of all building work plus the have wholeheartedly

themselves into their work, have Honourable Mr. Lo'painted out, Bard to the 76-year lonnen comes damage due to war.

worked incessantly, Formidable Task

and for whether or not a premium to this:-Government foregoes would be required, although the back lock, stock and barrel! It latter category and its problem to presa on rehabilitation both long hours of overtime, and often i ita legal right to take the thing "Hong Kong falla Into the for seven days a week in order greater part of the torianta con- foregoes its right to take pon is therefore in the class of by the restoration of existing cerned had manifested a strong objection to the payment of a dession of the building in good heavier and bigger tasks than buildings, and the design of new premium as such. The question order: it foregoes the premium that in most other Colonies of a new building covenant hard on the new leago: it sells the But in addition to the task of buildings. I am glad to be able to pay this publie tribute to their ly arose in those pre-war days, lots at their 1941 value, and it providing the buildings require loyal and· self-sacrificing work." nince buildings were alrendy-assesses the rent by the same the Public Works Department was confronted with almost erected on the lots. The main standards.

Two Issues .... consideration was that the

Minor Factor (.. equally heavy domande,.as.a re "So much for the plans for bulidings already ́orected, in | The land tenure question insult of lack of maintenance, and Government building which I Accordance with the buildingi volved in the matter of the war damage, in regard to such have thought it desirable to out-

to private building

cluding 76 in the HPI District) are on the Island; the rest are

the renewal of these leases in of lot.

holders themselves,

granted

Absurdly Low

entered

•

in

he

· enme

HB'S" "MANAŒENDS TEU BUY

SOMETHING ****

has

"I don't know what materials

experi

4

wii

"It would appear that as far, as housing is concerned the Government intends to leave the purchase and stockling :of all building materials to the Im- porters, who are therefore, ex- pected to lay in such 'stocks as

(Continued on page 3.).